A new tour offered by Aurora Expeditions will take travellers on an in-depth exploration of Ecuador, where they will cruise the Amazon by luxury riverboat, visit indigenous villages and Incan ruins, encounter Galapagos wildlife up close, walk the flanks of the world’s highest active volcano and soak in natural hot springs.
The Equator-straddling nation of Ecuador is perhaps best known for the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago famous for its unique species of wildlife, such as Darwin’s finches, giant Galapagos tortoises and marine iguanas. However, Ecuador is a country of contrasts, and as well as the wildlife-rich Galapagos, Ecuador boasts an impressive section of the Amazon rainforest, with hundreds of species of flora and fauna, the Pacific Coast with 50 surf beaches and the snow-capped Andes, home to one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world, the Devil’s Nose.
Aurora Expeditions’ new 26-day, all-inclusive ‘Ecuador In Depth’ tour will take travellers to three distinct regions – the Galapagos, the Amazon and the Andes – as well as the cities of Quito and Otavalo. Highlights of the tour include a seven night, luxury Amazon jungle river cruise aboard the 36-passenger Anakonda, an eight-night cruise through the Galapagos aboard the 40-passenger expedition vessel, Isabela II and a ride aboard Ecuador’s breathtaking Tren Crucero train around the treacherous Devil Nose in the Andes.
Also on the extensive itinerary is the ‘Middle of the World’, where a French explorer calculated the world’s equatorial line, allowing visitors to place a foot in each hemisphere. A unique cultural experience will be offered also where guests will share a day with local indigenous villagers learning local traditions and cooking. A walk along the lower slopes of 5897m-high Mt Cotopaxi – the world’s highest active volcano – is also featured.
Two departures for the tour are available from Quito next tear – September 17, 2016, and October 15, 2016. Prices start from US$15,600 per person, twin-share, including all accommodation, transfers, domestic flights in Ecuador, guided excursions and day tours, and most meals. International flights from Australia are extra and can be booked through Aurora Expeditions.
For more information about the tour, contact Aurora Expeditions on 1800 637 688 or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au.
SOURCE Aurora Expeditions